Italian Mid Century Furniture, Mid Century Modern Italian Design from the 20th Century - Paolo Buffa, Osvaldo Borsani, Gio Ponti

Mid Century Modern Italian Design: restoring a 20th Century Design Furniture piece

Restoring a 20th Century furniture piece is an act of love. Respecting the history behind every piece we find and bringing each piece to a new life without dramatically change its appearance is loving and cherish our Italian culture and traditions. Our team of Italian restorers contributes to the preservation of Italian Mid Century Modern Design; since generations they have passed on their knowledge and care so that we could remember and partially live back a particular period from our recent history.

But how do we bring back the deep luster and shine of a piece made over 70 years ago?

Restoration is not only a buffing and polishing...but a long and thorough professional job performed by skilled artisans; there are several steps to take to make sure each Italian Mid Century piece will thrive for many more years ahead. We have just completed a brand new project for a historical home in Venice, Italy, with the addition of two amazing Mid Century dining room set, a Mid Century dining room table and a matching Mid Century sideboard, of Italian Production dated circa 1950s which have been completely restored and brought back to a new beginning.

After restoration Italian Mid Century Modern Sideboard

After restoration Italian Mid Century Sideboard

This gorgeous credenza was dismantled in all its possible components (doors, drawers, handles, back, red glass top). All surfaces were then disinfected and treated, as a precaution against termites although there was no sign of termites.

We then restored the proper functioning of the drawers, the doors and the locks. Also, the cabinet had scratches and imperfections in the rosewood and feather inlay that were consolidated and grouted and following that we sanded the credenza with fine paper to prepare for polishing.

In the next step, we coated the credenza with a natural shellac and hand buffered it. The inside mahogany skin was polished, although light blemishes remain in the wood due to use and not removable except with strong sanding which is not advisable on a veneer.

In the final step we polished and reassembled all the ancillary decorations and bronze handles

Before restoration missing inlay decorations

post restoration all inlay decorations have been repaired

The matching Mid Century Italian table has undergone a similar process: As a first step we removed the red crystal top, all surfaces were then disinfected and treated as a precaution against termites although there was no sign of their presence. The table had scratches and imperfections in the rosewood and feather inlay that we consolidated and grouted. We then sanded the table with fine sandpaper to prepare it for polishing. In the next step, we hand-wicked/buffered the table with a natural shellac while the bottom was dark-colored stained and varnished. Finally we polished and reassembled the bronze tips at the end of the feet.

Designitalia Mid Century Modern imports high end Italian Mid Century furniture from Italy. Our team of Italian purchasing agents outsource one of a kind Italian Mid Century furniture. The furniture is restored by keeping its original appearance and altering its original design. Our Mid Century modern sofas and armchairs are completely restored inside and outside while our case pieces are restoring without altering their original structure too much. Some signs of age will eventually be visible and this is completely normal and contribute to the beauty and value of each piece.